Marilla Skirt (free pattern)

Today I want to introduce you to my second July project (yes, I am late) which was a version of my Marilla skirt, sewn with various white cotton fabric scraps.

Following this summer big trend of white long skirts inspired by antique petticoats, I decided to bring out a pattern I created two years ago and never published. Although my design is more inspired by edwardian petticoats than by the XVIIIth-XIXth centuries petticoats that inspired the trend - with its flat front and fullness at the back - I thought that it would be perfect to use fabric scraps.

The longest step of the construction was definiteley to assemble the scraps to create the skirt panels. As I chose to assemble them with flat felled seams to have the cleanest finish inside and out of the garment, I had to think very carefully about the order of the sewing.  I sewn one or two panels a day to not get tired of the project. Fortunately, I was very satisfied with the patchwork result. Next time I end up with a lot a broderie anglaise scraps, I will try to make a curtain panel using this technique. It could be doable for a very short panel like a bistrot style curtain. 

I didn’t modify the design, except for the assembly and finishing of the ruffles. Instead of finishing the top of the ruffles with a rolled hem before attaching it to the skirt as I suggest in the instructions booklet, I simply used a flat felled seam to finish and attach it at the same time. This makes the skirt less flowy but helps to maintain its line A shape, like an actual petticoat that would by stiffened by cording or horizontal pleats.

I am very satisfied with the skirt and - now that I have a light coloured pair of shorts to wear underneath - I will try to wear it well into fall with a sweater and leather boots.

Pattern : Marilla Skirt (free pattern available here)

Fabric : various lightweight cotton fabric scraps

Buttons : vintage mother of pearl buttons